Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

Dr. Emily Kirby wants you to feel comfortable after surgery. She has refined her “rapid recovery” or “24-hour recovery” protocol over her 12+ years of experience as a plastic surgeon, using evidence-based Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and “multimodal analgesia” techniques, and even her own experience as a patient. Dr. Kirby provides this care to every patient for improved alertness and comfort, as well as a quicker return to activity, after surgery. 

Her approach includes:

• Consultation: Dr. Kirby begins by spending time ensuring that you are physically and mentally prepared for surgery, then she listens to your goals, desires, and discusses options until you have a plan. 
• Medication: The ERAS protocol involves small doses of multiple different types of medications, to prevent and reduce discomfort from many different angles, including nerves, muscles, swelling, inflammation, etc.
• Anesthesia: While many surgeons will ask you to fast beginning the night before surgery, our techniques allow for a shorter fasting period. In fact, the more hydrated you are before surgery, the lower your risk of post-operative nausea.
• Numbing Injections: Injections of numbing medications, like the TAP block for tummy tucks, are used whenever possible to prevent pain. This “regional anesthesia” minimizes the need to take prescribed oral pain medication.
• Personalization: Dr. Kirby uses your family history, health history, and lifestyle to fine-tune your ERAS care for an optimal outcome.
• Recovery Guide: To steer your recovery process, Dr. Kirby wrote a surgery guide based on years of conversations with patients about their questions and concerns. It contains detailed instructions to follow as you prepare for surgery, what to expect afterwards, and how to optimize your own recovery at home.

This combination of multiple forms of pre- and postoperative pain management is also called “multimodal analgesia.” Dr. Kirby offers the full scope of ERAS to patients every day.

Real Patient Testimonials & 5-Star Reviews

“I had zero complications or pain following surgery and the results I got are amazing and leave me feeling confident in myself and how I dress. Dr. Kirby even called to check on me days following my surgery, which I thought was very kind considering her busy schedule. Her team is also very kind, respectful, and efficient. I went to 2 other surgeons for breast consultation before finding Dr. Emily Kirby and hands down, Dr. Kirby is the best.”

“From the first surgery to the last (4 total), my recovery has been easy and painless. After the surgeries I was sore but not to sore or painful enough to require me to take pain medication, which I was prescribed just in case! After a few days I was able to function as normal, while taking it easy as I was not fully healed. I followed the recommended time off per procedure. Dr. Kirby and her team have been so very caring throughout the entire process. I am so thankful I found a doctor and team who puts their patients safety first no matter the cost!”

“My experience with Dr. Kirby and her staff from beginning to end was seamless. They covered every base and made sure I was comfortable and happy every step of the way. I felt (to my surprise) amazing once I got home from surgery. The only bit of pain I had was from the liposuction, which I know is inevitable, and it didn’t last too long.  I was up and around sooner than expected. My recovery from the breast lift and implant exchange was so incredibly quick and easy. I felt better than my old self sooner than I imagined. I was worried about the scarring from my lift and am so happy to say that the scars I have look amazing and will only get better. I’m so glad I chose to trust Dr. Kirby. I am so much happier when I look in the mirror. After seeing my results, I have several friends and family members ready to meet with her for their consultation. I will gladly recommend Dr.Kirby to anyone.”

“I can not thank Dr. Kirby and her staff for making me feel comfortable.  Having the surgery I did can be very nerve wracking.  But, I felt at ease the whole time, and was in a positive atmosphere.  I’m truly impressed on how I was in such little pain afterwards.  It was a very positive experience, and I’m very happy with the outcome.”

“Before this surgery, I mentioned to Dr. Kirby that I would love to have a better recovery experience. I am happy to say, it was the best surgery experience that I could’ve hoped for, and that I had a wonderful recovery. Actually, do not tell the doctor, but the day after my surgery, I attended one of my children’s sporting events, and I felt great. I was back to my regular daily activities way before I thought I was going to be able to.”

“I never felt rushed at any of my appointments. Dr. Kirby provided me with all the tools and resources needed to ensure a smooth recovery. I’m convinced I picked the right surgeon and team with Kirby Plastic Surgery!”

“I just love Dr Kirby and her staff! I had a prior surgery done with another Dr So I knew what to expect, but Dr Kirby and her staff went over and above what I expected . Her and her staff took their time discussing the procedure to me and made me feel real comfortable. It was the little things that Dr Kirby did that stood out to me as patient . She had a very detailed pamphlet put together that outlined everything I needed to know and do before and after the surgery . I even received a little post op surgery care package that included a can of soup, some chapstick, lotion and even a bell I could ring to use at home .I thought this was such a great and thoughtful idea. I am very very happy with my results . Dr Kirby is very personable and kind. She is a gifted surgeon and I will definitely be back for more procedures . I highly recommend her!!”

“I would recommend this center to everyone who wants cosmetic surgery. I felt well taken care of, everyone was so attentive and patient, with the most kind medical staff I have ever encountered. They called me the next day following my surgery and checked up on me, while also replying to my inquisitive emails in a timely manner. They are nothing but smiles and full of information, willing to help ease any hesitations or worries you may have. I felt safe and comfortable the entire time, and I would rate my experience an 11/10! Highly recommend!!!”

“Everything about Kirby Plastic Surgery and the Surgery Center was a 10/10 from start to finish.  I could not be happier with my experience so far.  My pre-op nurse and anesthesiologist were also amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better healthcare team.”

“Dr. Kirby has created the most amazing experience. She is thorough and intuitive, sincerely cares about the work she does and perfectly marries listening to what you want and what science says and her recommendations are. And don’t get me started on her staff, they are absolutely incredible and second to none!”

The importance of a board-certified anesthesiologist

We choose only the best-trained providers for your anesthesia, in keeping with our commitment to prioritize your safety. We solely employ anesthesiologists who hold a medical degree (MD) and are board-certified by The American Board of Anesthesiology, two credentials that represent the highest level of training and certification for providing anesthesia and monitoring vital signs throughout surgery. 

Dr. Kirby is one of the only plastic surgeons who offers the full scope of ERAS to every plastic surgery patient, every day. 

Our anesthesiologists are specifically trained to work with Dr. Kirby’s ERAS techniques in order to not only provide the safest level of care, but also the most comfortable recovery. Further, they have many years of training that make them well-equipped to handle complications, should they arise. We believe this is the safest route, even if it involves higher costs to us. 

Other plastic surgeons may be content to work with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in the operating room. However, CRNAs should only work under the supervision of a physician, and we believe that this physician should be an anesthesiologist who holds the highest level of expertise in the specialty, rather than a plastic surgeon.

Dr. Emily Kirby

Female Plastic Surgeon Fort Worth

• Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
• Over 12 years of experience in private practice
• Founder and Medical Director of Kirby Plastic Surgery, Kalos Medical Spa, and City Surgery Center—a Quad A-accredited, state-of-the-art facility located onsite
• Specialist in breast surgery and body contouring, including postpartum
• Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2019
• First female Chief of Plastic Surgery, Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Hospital

Meet Dr. Kirby

Frequently Asked Questions